Criminal Defence Lawyers
We engage early in criminal matters, from investigation through trial, to protect the client's rights at every stage.
Overview
In criminal matters a great deal is decided before the first hearing. The first interrogation record, the first statement signed without being read, the first 24 hours after arrest — that is when the shape of the whole file is set. Anyone who waits until referral to court has already lost the most important opportunity to defend, because what was said in investigation is hard to withdraw later.
We represent clients from summons and investigation before the Public Prosecution, through release and bail applications, to advocacy before the criminal court and on objection and appeal. We act in both public and private right matters, with particular focus on financial cases, fraud, cheque matters, cybercrime and cases arising out of commercial activity.
We are direct with every client: we do not sell promised outcomes. We give a realistic assessment of what is achievable on the evidence that actually exists, then build the defence on procedural and substantive grounds together. Most good outcomes in criminal files come from early procedural discipline, not from eloquence at the final hearing.
The legal framework
The Saudi criminal framework rests on procedural and substantive statutes, and knowing the procedure matters as much as knowing the rule:
- The Law of Criminal Procedure and its safeguards on arrest, investigation and search
- The Public Prosecution as the investigating and prosecuting authority
- The Anti-Cyber Crime Law in electronic cases
- The financial fraud and breach of trust regime in money-related cases
- The Anti-Money Laundering Law and the obligations attached to it
- The narcotics law and other special regimes depending on the alleged conduct
Situations we handle
A summons for questioning without arrest
Attending unprepared is the most expensive mistake available. We prepare the client for what will be asked, attend with them, and prevent improvised statements that are hard to correct.
Pre-trial detention and a release application
We work on two tracks: an application for release on guarantee or bail, and a review of the lawfulness of the detention procedure itself.
A fraud or breach of trust complaint
These complaints frequently arise out of what is at heart a commercial dispute. We work to have the facts characterised correctly, as a civil matter where that applies.
A dishonoured cheque case
Many such files can be dealt with by payment or a documented settlement before they escalate. Timing matters more here than any legal argument.
Cybercrime matters
Defamation, extortion and account intrusion are decided by digital evidence and its timing; we move early to have it preserved before it is lost.
Costly mistakes we see
- 1
Signing a statement without reading it fully
The record must be read literally before signing. The wording of a single sentence can turn an ordinary fact into an implied admission of an element of the offence.
- 2
Trying to explain outside the process
Messages and calls with the other party after a complaint become evidence. All contact should go through the lawyer.
- 3
Instructing a lawyer only after referral
The file is built during investigation. Arriving after referral means defending with what is left, not with what could have been prevented.
- 4
Deleting messages or documents
Deletion conceals little in digital files, but it reads as an indication of bad faith and weakens your position for nothing in return.
How the procedure runs, step by step
Criminal procedure in Saudi Arabia is governed by the Law of Criminal Procedure, and the difference between a file that is shelved and one referred to court is made during gathering and investigation, not in the hearing room.
- 1
Intervene at the evidence-gathering stage
From the moment of summons or arrest you have the right to counsel. The gravest error at this stage is signing a statement drafted in the investigating body’s language and then trying to unpick it in court.
- 2
Track the detention periods
Detention is limited to statutory periods and any extension requires a reasoned decision from the Public Prosecution. We track those periods and apply for release on bail or a personal guarantee whenever the statutory conditions are met.
- 3
Investigation before the Public Prosecution
This is where the file’s fate is decided: shelved, or referred with an indictment. We submit an early defence memorandum with its exhibits, because persuading the prosecution to shelve is faster and less damaging than winning a year into litigation.
- 4
Trial before the Criminal Court
We build the defence along three routes: the act did not occur, criminal intent is absent, or the procedure by which the evidence was obtained was void. Procedural nullity alone is enough to strike out important evidence whatever its content.
- 5
Appeal and petition for reconsideration
Criminal judgments are appealable within the prescribed period, and certain judgments go up for automatic review. Where material new evidence emerges, a petition for reconsideration remains open even after finality.
Documents we will ask you for
- The complaint or the summons letter
- The investigation record and any signed statements
- The detention or extension decision
- Names and details of defence witnesses
- Documents and correspondence connected to the alleged act
- Medical or technical reports bearing on the case
Fees and timelines
Criminal matters are priced by stage: investigation and prosecution, first-instance court, then objection and appeal where needed. Each stage has its own written scope and fee. We do not link fees to the outcome of a judgment — it is professionally improper and practically meaningless.
Timing is set by the investigating authority and the court, not by us. The investigation stage can conclude within weeks; cases referred to court usually run for months, with additional time on objection. We keep you updated at every step and tell you early when settlement is the realistic route.
Common questions
Do I need a lawyer during the investigation?
Yes, and that is precisely the most important stage. A statement recorded in the file follows it to the end, and retracting it later requires a convincing explanation. Attending with a lawyer is not evidence of guilt; it is the normal way of preserving your right to defend yourself.
What should I do if the prosecution summons me?
Do not ignore the summons and do not attend unprepared. Speak to a lawyer beforehand to review the facts and documents and to establish what should and should not be said, then attend on time with proper representation.
Is release on bail possible?
It is possible in many cases, depending on the alleged conduct, the detainee's circumstances and the guarantees offered. The application should be reasoned and supported, and consistent follow-up with the authority makes a real difference to how quickly it is decided.
My business partner filed a criminal complaint against me — what now?
Many such complaints are commercial disputes in substance. The defence rests on showing the civil nature of the relationship and the documents that establish it. An improvised response or a counter-complaint usually complicates the file rather than resolving it.
How long does a criminal case take?
It varies considerably with the nature of the allegation, the number of accused and any need for technical reports. Some files close at the investigation stage within weeks; others run for months before the court and then on appeal.
Can a case be withdrawn after it is filed?
Withdrawal affects the private right, while in many offences the public right does not lapse by withdrawal. We separate the two limbs from the outset, because a settlement may end only part of the matter.
What is the difference between the public and private right?
The public right belongs to society and is pursued by the prosecution; the private right belongs to the injured party and covers compensation. One may be decided without the other, and a settlement can end the private right while the public right proceeds.
Do you handle cybercrime cases?
Yes: defamation, online extortion, account intrusion and privacy breaches. The key is digital evidence and when it is preserved, so we move early to have it documented before it is deleted or altered.
Can you guarantee the outcome?
No. Guaranteeing an outcome is contrary to professional standards, and anyone who offers one is selling reassurance they do not have. What we provide is a candid assessment of the possibilities, a disciplined defence on procedure and substance, and immediate notice if our assessment changes.
Related services
White Collar Crime Lawyers
We defend financial fraud, corruption and money-laundering matters, and build preventive programmes.
Court Pleading Lawyers
We prepare statements of claim, defence memoranda and appeal briefs with a focused argument.
Administrative Lawyers
We represent individuals and companies before the administrative courts and in challenges to government decisions.